Gas dispenser



United States Patent 6 GAS DISPENSER Jacob M. Kahan, University Heights, Ohio Application February 28, 1957, Serial No. 643,006

8 Claims. (Ci. 128203) This invention in general relates to a gas dispensing apparatus, andspecifically to a portable oxygen dispenser for emergency supply of oxygen or other gas.

In the medical profession, as well as elsewhere, there are many requirements for the provision of a small amount of oxygen for use in breathing by an injured person, or one who suffers from certain other illnesses. For instance, there frequently is an urgent need for oxygen in resuscitation uses where a person has been drowned, or been subjected to electrical shock, or the like. Likewise, if a person has fainted, frequently it is very desirable to' give such person an immediate supply of oxygen. Thus, in other instances, people suffering from asthma may require special treatment requiring the breathing of small quantities of oxygen in order to relieve breathing difliculties. Yet other instances for the use of such temporary supplies of oxygen would be where a person was subjected to high altitudes and was endeavoring to adjust thereto or where a person would only be subjected to a high altitude for a few minutes and a temporary supply of oxygen would be very desirable to have.

While there has been various apparatus provided to supply oxygen to sick people in hospitals and the like, which apparatus has been developed widely commercially heretofore, there has been no real satisfactory portable supply of a small quantity of oxygen, insofar as I am aware.

It thus is the general object of the present invention to provide a relatively inexpensive, but dependable portable oxygen dispensing means particularly characterized by its compactness and by its ready availability for dispensing a desired small quantity of oxygen to an individual requiring administration thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a selfcontained emergency oxygen respirator apparatus wherein filter means are provided in the apparatus to withdraw carbon dioxide from a persons exhaled breath so that the respirator apparatus can be continually held in engagement with the nostrils and mouth of a person being treated.

Another object of the invention is to provide an attractive, easily used portable oxygen dispensing apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide oxygen dispensing means using small, individual non-reusable oxygen containers having low pressure oxygen therein.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be made more apparent as the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings are studied in detail.

In order to understand the present invention more completely, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is an elevation of the oxygen dispensing apparatus of the invention, with a portion of the mask broken away and with the mask shown in section;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal enlarged vertical section of the apparatus of Fig. l, with most of the mask cut away; and.

2,856,922 Patented. Oct. 21, 1958 Fig. 3 is an end view of the replaceable filter member provided in. the apparatus of the invention.

This invention relates to an oxygen dispenser apparatus or the like comprising a tubularhousing having a closed end and an open end, an end cap for the housing engageable therewith by a threaded connection on a tubular section thereof, the end cap having a neck portion extending therefrom oppositely to said tubular section, a gas containing cylinder received in the housing, the end cap having a cutter tube formed integrally therewith and extending axially inwardly of the housing for engaging and breaking, into the cylinder on suflicient, or proper axial engagement of the end capv and housing, a filter cartridgesnugly carried by the end cap in the neck portion thereof, and a face inhalator mask engaging and sealed to the neck portion of the housing.

When referring to corresponding parts shown in the drawings and referred to in the specification, corresponding numerals are used to facilitate comparison therebetween.

Attention now is particularly directed to the details of the structure shown in the drawings and described hereinafter completely. A gas dispensing apparatus of theinvention is indicated as a whole by the numeral 1. Such dispensing apparatus includes a tubular or cylindrical housing 2 having one closed end and one open end and with an end cap 3 being provided for sealing the open end of the housing 2'. The end cap 3 engages the housing 2 by a conventional threaded joint, but wi'tha tubular section 4 being provided on one end of this end' cap 3' and carrying a suitable sealing O-ring 5' therein in a recess on the inner surface thereof. Such O-ring 5 is in snug engagement with the housing 2 at all times to retain the end cap 3 in a given rotative or arcuate position with relation to the housing 2 for a purpose to be hereinafter described in more detail.

A suitable oxygen or other gas receiving cylinder 6 is received within the housing 2 and normally is snugly positioned within the housing2 by means of an integral cutter tube 7 bearing on an end of the cylinder 6. The cutter tube 7 usually is formed integrally with and extends axially from the inner end surface of the end cap 3 and with such tube 7' being of anysuitable outer diameter with relation to the internal diameter of the tubular section 4 of the end cap 3. i

The axial end of this cutter tube 7 is sharp and preferably pointed at "in for cutting action and it preferably has. a plurality of teeth 8 formed thereon and extending substantially radially thereof, although other cutting teeth can be provided thereon, as desired. Thus the apparatus is so arranged and constructed that twisting the end cap 1'? onto the housing. 2 will cause the cutter tube 7 to contact and bite its way through an end portion of the gas cylinder 6 when it is desired to use the dispenser 1 of the invention to have oxygen or other gas provided thereby.

It will be realized that the O-ri'ng 5 will form an effective seal for the end cap of the invention and prevent any gas from the cylinder 6- from leaking out around the connection of theend cap 3 to the housing 2. Furthermore, as previously indicated, the O-ring 5 will retain the end cap 3 against loosening or coming separate from the housing 2 prior to forcing the cutter tube 7 into the cylinder 6 for dispensing action. The closed end of the end cap can be abutted against the housing 2 when the cylinder 6'has been opened. a

As a further feature of-the invention; the end cap 3" also has: a tubular section, or neck 9- extending. axially therefrom when the end cap 3 is engaged with the housing 2. Such neck 9 of the end cap '3: is adapted to receive afilter cartridge 10 therein- Preferably suchi filter cartridge 10 is snuglyreceiized the neck .9 but extends axially therefrom and has one or more grasping ribs 11 provided thereon to facilitate withdrawing the filter cartridge from engagement with the neck 9. Such filter cartridge 10 would be seated against a shoulder portion provided in the end cap 3 and is sufiiciently snugly engaged with the neck 9 to force substantially all of the gas flowing from the cylinder 6 by any hole cut therein by the cutter tube 7 to flow through the filter cartridge 10. A plurality of apertures 12 are provided in opposed end portions of the filter cartridge to facilitate gas flow therethrough. Usually the filter cartridge 10 is made from some suitable transparent plastic material so that the color of the filter medium 13 provided within the cartridge 10 can be observed.

One suitable material for making the filter medium or particles 13 is a mixture of the materials barium and lime, preferably soda lime. This materials is soldcommercially as baralyme and it is very elfective as a carbon dioxide absorbent. Normally, this filter material is of a white or pinkish color, but when it has absorbed all of the carbon dioxide of which it is capable of absorbing, then the material turns yellow and should be promptly replaced.

It is necessary to withdraw carbon dioxide from gasses passing through the filter cartridge 10 as the dispenser apparatus of the invention normally includes a conventional face and mouth mask 14 which is made from suitable resilient'rnaterial. This mask 14 is light weight and is made from thin gage rubber, synthetic rubber material, or equivalent substances including any desired type of a plastic, and is flexible and collapsible so that it can be compressed and carried around in a small size carrier case, as desired. In all events, the mask 14 has an input tube 15 extending therefrom and such input tube 15 is adapted to engage snugly with the neck 9 of the end cap 3 and be sealed in engagement therewith by means of a sealing ring 16 on a periphery of the neck 9. If desired, the mask 14 can be made with an additional rib (not shown) on the inner sur- L face of the input tube 15 to engage against the end of the filter cartridge 10 to aid in holding it in engagement with the neck 9 of the end cap 3.

It will be realized that the mask 14 may be of any conventional construction and that a person can readily use the dispenser 1 of the invention by engaging the input tube 15 of the mask 14 with the end cap 3, if not already in engagement therewith. Then the gas carrying cylinder 6 can readily be punctured by twisting the end cap 3 down into better axial engagement with the housing 2 so that the cutter tube 7 will sever a section from the end of the cylinder 6 and permit gas to flow therefrom. It will be realized that the cutter tube 7 can be of any desired practical dimension and that the provision of a small bore in such cutter tube 7 prevents any excessive rate of discharge of gas from the cylinder 6. Usually the gas in the cylinder 6 will be under small pressure such as about l0 lbs. per square inch, or less, and only about a fifteen minute supply of oxygen, for example, need be provided by the dispenser means of theinvention. Preferably in use, the mask 14 would be retained tightly over the nose and mouth portion of a person needing a temporary supply of oxygen and no additional air input is required, it is believed, in view of the filter means provided in the apparatus. Usually such person requiring the oxygen is not conscious, or is not feeling very well so that probably another person must hold the mask onto the victims face. Small leakage of gas around the edges of the mask 14 would not be objectionable in any manner.

It will be seen that the ribs 11 on the filter cartridge 10 are spaced from the end of the housing to facilitate engaging the filter cartridge manually to replace or inspect it. .Of course, any suitable filter material may be .used for the purpose desired. V

The gas cylinder 6 may have any wall thickness re quired and normally it would be thinner than the walls of the housing 2 and be easily punctured by the cutter tube 7. The tube 7 at least partially seals itself to the cylinder 6 to aid in gas output flow only through the mask 14.

An inwardly turned end flange 17 is provided on the input tube 15 of the mask 14 and it engages and seals against a shouldered rib 18 on the neck 9 of the end cap. The input tube 15 is resilient and tightly engages the neck 9. i

If desired, the cutter tube 7 may have a sharpened cylindrical end. The threaded engagement of the end cap 3 with the housing 2 can be such as to give any suitable axial advance to the end cap 3 with rotation thereof.

Normally the end cap 3 would be engaged with the housing 2 in such a manner that the cutter tube 7 would be spaced from, or only contacting the cylinder 6. At such time, as a feature of the invention, the tubular section 4 and the O-ring 5 engage the housing 2 snugly to prevent undesirable rotation (loosening) of the end cap on the housing. The O-ring 5 will engage a smooth peripheral portion of the housing in its usual position and can be forced or rotated over the threaded section of the housing 2.

A ramp 19 is provided on the axially outer surface of said rib 18 to facilitate drawing or forcing the input tube 15 into engagement with the rib 18 and seat the flange 17 against the axially inner edge of the rib.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that a compact,

relatively inexpensive gas dispensing apparatus has been provided'by the invention. Such dispenser can be used for dispensing oxygen or any other desired gaseous medium. Auxiliary gas containers or cylinders can be readily inserted into the dispensing apparatus and can be easily opened when required. Thus it is believed that the objects of the invention have been achieved.

While one complete embodiment of the invention has been disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that modification of this particular embodiment of the invention may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. An oxygen dispenser apparatus or the like comprising a housing having a closed end and an open end, an end cap for said housing engageable therewith by a threaded connection on a tubular section thereof, said end cap having a neck portion extending therefrom oppositely to said tubular section, a gas containing cylinder received in said housing, said end cap having a cutter tube formed integrally therewith and extending axially inwardly of said housing for engaging and breaking into said cylinder on sulficient axial engagement of said end cap and housing, a filter cartridge snugly carried by said end cap in the neck portion thereof, said cutter tube having a bore connecting to said filter cartridge, and a face inhalator mask engaging said neck portion of said housing.

2. An oxygen dispenser apparatus or the like comprising a housing having a closed end and an open end, an end cap for said housing en'gageable therewith by a threaded connection on a tubular section thereof, said end cap having a neck portion extending therefrom oppositely to said tubular section, said housing being adapted to receive a gas containing cylinder therein, said end cap having a cutter tube formed integrally therewith and extending axially inwardly of said housing for engaging ment with said housing to retain said end cap in a given,

arcuate position on said housing, a filter cartridge snugly carried by said end cap in the n'eck portion thereof, anda face inhalator mask engaging said neck portion of said housing.

3. An oxygen dispenser apparatus or the like comprising a tubular housing having a closed end and an open end, an end cap for said housing engageable therewith by a threaded connection on a tubular section thereof, said end cap having a neck portion extending therefrom oppositely to said tubular section, a gas containing cylinder received in said housing, said end cap having a cutter tube formed integrally therewith and extending axially inwardly of said housing for engaging and breaking into said cylinder on sufiicient axial engagement of said end cap and housing, said end cap having a sealing gasket in continual engagement with said housing to retain said end cap in a given arcuate position on said housing, a filter cartridge snugly carried by said end cap in the neck portion thereof, said filter cartridge extending from said neck portion and having ribs on such exposed section to facilitate removal of said filter cartridge, and a face inhalator mask engaging said neck portion of said housing.

4. An oxygen dispenser apparatus or the like comprising a tubular housing having a closed end and an open end, an end cap for said housing engageable therewith by a threaded connection on a tubular section thereof, said end cap having a neck portion extending therefrom oppositely to said tubular section, a gas containing cylinder received in said housing, said end cap having a cutter tube formed integrally therewith and extending axially inwardly of said housing for engaging and breaking into said cylinder on sufficient axial engagement of said end cap and housing, a filter cartridge snugly carried by said end cap in the neck portion thereof, said filter cartridge extending axially from said neck portion and having ribs on such protruding section to facilitate removal of said filter cartridge, and a face inhalator mask resiliently engaging said neck portion of said housing, cooperating sealing means bein'g provided on said mask and neck portion, said cutter tube having a pointed end with cutting teeth thereon.

5. An oxygen dispenser apparatus or the like comprising a housing having a closed end and an open end, an end cap for said housing engageable therewith by a threaded connection on a tubular section thereof, said end cap having a neck portion extending therefrom oppositely to saidtubular section, a gas containing cylinder received in said housing, said end cap having a cutter tube formed integrally therewith and extending axially inwardly of said housing for engaging and breaking into said cylinder on suflicient axial engagement of said end cap and housing, an apertured filter cartridge snugly carried by said end cap in the neck portion thereof, and a resilient face inhalator mask snugly engaging said neck portion of said housing, cooperating sealing means being provided on said mask and neck portion and including an end flange on said mask in a tubular engaging section thereon, said neck portion having a sealing rib with an axially inwardly directed shoulder thereon with which said end flange engages.

6. An oxygen dispenser apparatus or the like comprising a tubular housing having a closed end and an open end, an end cap for said housing engageable therewith by a threaded connection on a tubular section thereof, said end cap having a neck portion extending therefrom oppositely to said tubular section, a gas containing cylinder being receivable in said housing, said end cap having a cutter tube formed integrally therewith and extending axially inwardly of said housing for engaging and breaking into said cylinder on sufficient axial engagement of said end cap and housing, sealing means carried by said end cap to engage said housing at all times and form a seal therewith, a filter cartridge snugly carried by said end cap in the neck portion thereof, said filter cartridge extending from said neck portion and having ribs on such exposed section to facilitate removal of said filter cartridge, and a face inhalator mask resiliently engaging said neck portion of said housing, cooperating sealing means being provided on said mask and neck portion, said cutter tube having a pointed end with cutting teeth thereon.

7. An oxygen dispenser apparatus or the like comprising a tubular housing having a closed end and an open end, an end cap for said housing engageable therewith by a threaded connection on a tubular section thereof, said end cap having a neck portion extending therefrom oppositely to said tubular section, a gas containing cylinder received in said housing, said end cap having a cutter tube formed integrally therewith and extending axially inwardly of said housing for engaging and breaking into said cylinder on sufficient axial engagement of said end cap and housing, a filter cartridge snugly carried by said end cap in the neck portion thereof, and a face inhalator mask resiliently engaging said neck portion of said housing to receive gas from said cylinder when opened after such gas passes through said cutter tube and filter cartridge.

8. An oxygen dispenser apparatus or the like comprising a tubular housing having a closed end and an open end, an end cap for said housing engageable therewith by a threaded connection on a tubular section thereof, said end cap having a neck portion extending therefrom oppositely to said tubular section, a gas containing cylinder being receivable in said housing, said end cap having a cutter tube formed integrally therewith and extendin'g axially inwardly of said housing for engaging and breaking into said cylinder on suflicient axial engagement of said end cap and housing, sealing means carried by said end cap to engage said housing at all times and form a seal therewith, said sealing means frictionally holding said end cap against rotation, a filter cartridge snugly carried by said end cap in the neck portion thereof, said filter cartridge extending from said neck portion and having circumferentially extending rib means on such exposed section to facilitate removal of said filter cartridge, and a face inhalator mask resiliently engaging said neck portion of said housing, cooperating sealing means including an axially inwardly extending flange being provided on said mask and adapted to engage a shoulder on said end cap neck portion on the axially inner surface thereof, the axially outer surface of said shoulder forming a ramp to facilitate moving said rib into engagement with said shoulder, said cutter tube having a pointed end with cutting teeth thereon for engaging and breaking into a gas cylinder.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

